After the sinking of the dive boat Sea Story in the Red Sea, survivors have accused Egyptian authorities of mishandling the investigation by coercing them into signing statements and waivers, and seeking to blame the tragedy on natural causes rather than negligence.
Survivors of Red Sea Dive Boat Tragedy Accuse Egyptian Authorities of Mishandling Investigation
Survivors of Red Sea Dive Boat Tragedy Accuse Egyptian Authorities of Mishandling Investigation
Survivors claim they were pressured into signing statements and waivers, alleging a cover-up as they seek justice for the sinking of the Sea Story.
Survivors of a fatal dive boat sinking in the Red Sea have expressed deep concerns regarding the investigation led by Egyptian authorities. The incident, involving the dive boat Sea Story, resulted in four fatalities, while seven remain missing, including two British divers. Survivors interviewed by the BBC report feeling pressured to sign witness statements written in Arabic, a language they did not understand, which had been translated by a company employee affiliated with Dive Pro Liveaboard, the boat's operator.
The claims against the authorities are compounded by allegations of a cover-up, with survivors suggesting that investigators seemed determined to attribute the sinking to a wave rather than potential safety failings on the boat. A leading oceanographer has cast doubt on the wave explanation, stating it is implausible given subsequent weather data. The incident occurred in the early hours of November 25, when 46 individuals were aboard the vessel, leaving survivors shocked and distressed.
Survivors described intense pressure during their initial statements, with some being interrogated while still receiving hospital care. Others, like Sarah Martin, recounted similar experiences, claiming they were told they could not leave until statements were collected from everyone. The translators provided by the boat company were viewed as having a clear conflict of interest, leading to mistrust surrounding the official statements made.
Furthermore, survivors reported that the investigators appeared eager to absolve the boat company of any liability, with attempts to have them sign waivers that stated they held no one criminally responsible for the accident. Despite some individuals refusing to sign such documents, the push to accept blame for the tragedy was pervasive.
Amidst these disturbing accounts, family members of the two British divers missing from the boat have voiced frustration over the lack of transparent information from the Egyptian authorities. Reports of contradictory communications regarding the search for the missing have only fueled suspicions of a cover-up aimed at protecting Egypt's tourism interests.
Reputable organizations have raised alarms about the general safety standards of dive boats in the region, indicating that many operate without proper regulation. Previous incidents involving dive companies in the area have further spotlighted the need for reform in marine safety practices, as independent assessments claim most vessels lack critical safety features necessary for operation.
This ongoing tragedy emphasizes the need for accountability and a thorough, unbiased investigation to ensure the safety of future divers and to honor the memories of those lost in the Red Sea.
